4.3.5.2.9.4.3. Behavioural observations

The aim of the present protocol is not to evaluate
effects on specific behaviours (e.g. homing flight, thermoregulation, etc.),
but to observe any alterations on the general behaviour of the colony during
the test and after the test. For this reason, any qualitative modification as
trembling, aggressiveness, disorientation, apathy, etc. observed at the flight board,
outside or within the hive during the test should be noted. Additionally,
during a longer period (until next season), abnormalities in the reproduction
cycle of the colony should be noted (e.g. supersedure of the queen, problems on
egg-laying capacity, etc.). Finally, observations of the flight activity and
the foraging behaviour around the hive should be done and alterations should be
noted.

There is a wide room for improvement of the
behavioural observations that could be done in field test. Namely, specific
behavioural traits would increase the accuracy of the observations. The present
protocol should be modified in the future as soon as there are advances in
methodologies.